With the Olympics recently concluding and France’s basketball soaring high, finishing with a gold medal, Spurs nation is excited for this upcoming season. Phenom Victor Wembanyama has taken yet another step forward in a quick ascension to superstardom, and the hopes of a nation can rest heavily on his shoulders over the next fifteen years.
Health will be a key factor for Wembanyama
One of Victor’s most admirable traits, his dogged determination to represent his country in international play—as he should—may also prove to be one of his biggest flaws.
The hopes of two different nations rest on the Go-Go Gadget arms of Wembanyama. He needs to be able to listen to his body as he ages and learn when to say when. This tenacity of his has been noticed by many, including Spurs great Tony Parker, who recently spoke on it.
The Spurs themselves must come up with a compromise to benefit both themselves and Wemby. They won’t forbid him to play for his country; that’s far too hardline of a stance to take when they expect Wembanyama to be the cornerstone of the franchise into the next decade and beyond. At the same time, they need to ensure San Antonio’s franchise player is healthy enough to, in fact, be the cornerstone they’re looking for.
Wemby is not fully grown at this point. He’ll add some weight to his frame and maybe grow a little more. The NBA’s Slender Man is not entirely ready for the NBA now, physically, regardless of his ability.
Eighty-two games are a grind for anyone, let alone someone 7’4” and still developing into a man. It excites Spurs fans for the future, but also provides some trepidation as to whether he’ll be able to remain healthy. Together with the organization, Wembanyama will develop a plan to be effective at the international level as well as the NBA level for his entire career.
